“VB CEBALLOS” is the fourth of ten units commissioned to the Zamakona Shipyards

Boluda Corporación Marítima’s port, ocean and offshore towage and salvage division Boluda Towage and Salvage has added a new tug, “VB CEBALLOS”, to its fleet: a state-of-the-art vessel with excellent manoeuvrability, both in port and at sea.

The new tug, designed by the prestigious Canadian naval architects studio Robert Allan Ltd., was built in Zamakona Shipyards in Pasajes, Guipúzcoa, and is the fourth in a series of ten that this company is building for Boluda Towage and Salvage, after “VB XALOC” and “VB XEREA” were handed over at the end of 2016 at the beginning of 2017, and “VB JUANGONZALEZ” entered into service in September 2017.

Since 2016 Boluda Towage and Salvage has been committed to staying abreast of new technologies and the latest technical advances in shipbuilding to maintain its leading position in the international marine safety sector. This new generation of tugboats, with a weight under 500 GT, are 31.57m long, with 12.80m beam and 6.50m depth, and reach a speed of 13.5 knots.

Next-generation tugboats

These powerful tugs are fitted with Caterpillar Mak diesel engines, powered by 7,500 hp and Voith Schneider cycloidal propulsion drive, which provide an 80-ton bollard pull. They also have Fi-Fi 1 classified firefighting systems and oil-recovery capability.

This new model of tugboats has easily surpassed currently existing standards to become a benchmark in the international maritime towing sector. The new series of tugs are equipped with the latest technological advances: as smart ship type tugs, they are capable of real-time data transmission and parameterization. This company is a pioneer in using this advanced technology.in the sector.

In line with its Social Responsibility policy, Boluda Corporación Marítima has also developed its own on-board energy efficiency system in which automated control systems have been installed to reduce energy consumption and gas emission into the atmosphere.

These types of tugs, with capacity for eight seafarers, also offer the crew enhanced quality of life on board, using new materials that reduce on-board noise and vibrations, thanks to which Boluda Towage and Salvage has achieved comfort noise and comfort vibration category III.

They are also equipped with a modular cover, used to stow containers equipped with specialized equipment, which can be adapted to the type of operation and to market demand. Likewise, a new, more ergonomic control system has been chosen to improve crew comfort. All ship equipment including the 360° rotating crane is capacitated to work safely in explosive atmospheres.

Source: Boluda